LAS VEGAS — Utah State guard Koby McEwen had a terrific freshman season in which he was named Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year and honorable mention All-MWC. However, he tailed off toward the end of the season, shooting just 29.8 percent over the last seven games and scoring 11.5 points per game.
With a few days to rest, McEwen came out like a new man in Wednesday’s first-round game as he scored 27 points, just off his season-high, and made 9 of 12 shots, including 5 of 5 from 3-point range. His 19 points in the second half was a huge reason for USU’s 59-33 edge in the final 20 minutes of the 90-64 victory.